‘Superman’ Review: The Man of Steel Returns, Better Than Ever

For the past two decades, the popular portrayal of Superman in films has been that of a Christ-like figure, sacrificing himself for humanity’s sins on an alien planet he can never truly comprehend. However, James Gunn’s version of Superman breaks this mold. His Man of Steel is simply human, possessing great strength but not exaggerated muscularity. He is resilient, yet not invincible. What sets Gunn’s Superman apart is the vulnerability he infuses into the character, both physically and emotionally. This Superman takes frequent beatings and also often beats himself up emotionally.

In a different phrasing: Gunn’s portrayal of Superman shows him losing battles so severely that he often struggles to stay upright. Instead of focusing only on his friends, family, or allies, this Superman strives to protect everyone – from complete strangers to adversaries as well. He is deeply saddened when he fails in these attempts. Unlike a detached deity observing us from above, this Superman embodies human flaws and emotions. He errs, then frantically works to rectify his mistakes. The defining line for this Superman isn’t the classic “Up, up, and away!” Instead, it’s a cautionary call: “Watch it! Be careful!” directed at a reckless comrade-in-arms.

Some diehard fans of the original Supermen might struggle to embrace a new Man of Steel who shows emotions like caring and tears. There’s bound to be controversy in certain communities about casting Clark Kent as an almost squeaky-clean character, using words like “darn” instead of stronger language. Those who hold this view are certainly entitled to their opinions. In my perspective, Gunn’s Superman is a refreshing change for DC Comics and superhero films, and undoubtedly the finest Superman movie I’ve seen in my lifetime.

Instead of another endless retelling of his beginnings, it sets up a fresh foundation for a new Superman character, complete with his world, while also weaving an engaging, fulfilling adventure yarn. This tale seamlessly blends classic DC Comics lore with contemporary references and relatable themes. To my delight, it turns out to be nothing short of extraordinary.

Apart from boasting an exceptional ensemble, this production features David Corenswet as a remarkable interpretation of the Man of Steel. He masterfully portrays Gunn’s vision of the character flawlessly; towering and strikingly attractive yet devoid of any intimidating presence, with captivating blue eyes that exude worry and empathy. In stark contrast to his righteous Clark Kent, Nicholas Hoult delivers a chilling depiction of our era’s Lex Luthor – a self-absorbed tech mogul driven by greed and envy who could potentially surpass Superman, if only he would redirect his relentless efforts from destroying this alien intruder (or this “it,” as Hoult’s Luthor refers to him). Finally, Rachel Brosnahan completes the main trio with her portrayal of a Lois Lane who is undeniably intelligent and resilient without ever seeking approval for being the cleverest in every situation.

In addition to the leading roles, even the secondary characters deliver outstanding performances – a nod to Mr. Terrific given his pivotal supporting role in the film. Edi Gathegi indeed leaves an indelible impression as the ingenious inventor with an amusing alias. He effectively leads the emerging team of heroes, “The Justice Gang,” which also features Isabela Merced’s fierce Hawkgirl and Nathan Fillion’s incredibly annoying Guy Gardner.

From a film enthusiast’s perspective, I find myself standing on the side of Corenswet’s Superman, though our bond is fragile and tested by the tumultuous events unfolding in the movie. The story revolves around Superman attempting to prevent a looming war between fictional nations Boravia and Jarhanpur. As he delves into the intricate web of global politics, he unwittingly steps into the crossfire of powerful forces, including the U.S. government and the devious Lex Luthor. His noble intentions place Metropolis and ultimately the entire world in grave danger, as Luthor hatches a sinister plan that could have catastrophic consequences.

In the style of his “Guardians of the Galaxy” films for Marvel, Gunn demonstrates yet again his remarkable knack for handling extensive ensembles of heroes and antagonists while maintaining a delicate balance between epic action scenes and intimate moments that foster connections (and generate humor) among his characters. Remarkably, in this swift-paced movie, he even manages to incorporate themes reminiscent of “Superman”. It’s hard to ignore the fact that following Gunn’s temporary dismissal from “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” due to controversial tweets, the storyline touches upon the subject of Superman being criticized online for his well-meaning but potentially short-sighted actions in Boravia.

Transforming Superman into a message-focused film might have been Gunn’s kryptonite, had the movie not been so consistently engaging and thrilling; if Corenswet’s Superman didn’t employ his powers in such creative and unanticipated manners, if he didn’t share such compelling chemistry with Brosnahan, and if he didn’t have one of cinema’s best canine companions, Krypto, by his side. In the Superman comics and cartoons, Krypto is often depicted as a super-obedient and super-loyal sidekick with human-like intelligence. Gunn’s ingenious move was to endow him with the character of a real dog: Playful, affectionate, and adorably stubborn.

As a film enthusiast who adores canines, let me express my feelings about Krypto. I’m utterly smitten with him, much like Superman, yet I must admit he isn’t always receptive to his guidance. What sets Krypto apart from other digital characters is the astonishingly authentic canine behavior that director Gunn has instilled in him. It’s as if I’ve encountered a real-life pooch on screen, even surpassing some of the most memorable dogs seen in movies, regardless of whether they were super or ordinary. Interestingly, Krypto’s appearance and demeanor are inspired by Gunn’s own rescue dog, Ozu. Dog lovers will undoubtedly be enamored; non-dog lovers might find themselves reconsidering their views, at least when it comes to Krypto. He truly is a remarkable canine, an exceptional good boy!

Krypto’s persistent disregard for commands brings lots of laughs, yet it’s another clever aspect of Gunn’s portrayal of Superman. This Superman is just an ordinary guy who even struggles to control his pet! Some traditional fans might find this interpretation troubling, as they envision Superman as a powerful, flawless savior. However, for me, this film version of Superman achieved something remarkable – it made the audience genuinely care about the man soaring through the skies. This Superman accomplishes more than just making us believe a man can fly; he makes us empathize with the man in flight.

Additional Thoughts:

Online discussions often turn contentious, but the Superman costume worn by Corenswet in the movie sparked intense debate among DC fans. They criticized various aspects of it, including its colors, belt design, red shorts, and size. However, upon watching the film, these minor flaws seem intentional, serving to reinforce Gunn’s vision of Superman as a flawed character, which wouldn’t be as effective if he appeared as perfect as a Greek statue. Additionally, the costume’s design and tailoring give Corenswet a likeness to a live-action Kevin Maguire drawing, pleasing fans who admire the artist’s work.

In a while, Superman stands out as the first comic-book movie that subtly hints at a potential cinematic universe without resorting to excessive, unnecessary plotlines or cliffhangers. Instead, it enhances its narrative by introducing numerous intriguing and entertaining supporting characters who leave you eager to see them in future projects. There are at least three DC heroes in Superman, aside from Superman himself, that I’m eagerly anticipating revisiting.

RATING: 8/10

Actors Who Turned Down DC Roles

1. Warren Beatty, Superman

Before choosing Christopher Reeve for the role of Superman in the 1978 film, producers considered several well-known actors, including Warren Beatty, a major star at that time in Hollywood. However, Beatty declined the offer, stating he didn’t believe it was suitable to turn a comic strip into a movie. While contemplating the job, he tried on some underwear to visualize himself in a Superman suit. The absurdity of the costume image convinced him to decline immediately, and he informed the producers to forget about it. Later, Beatty would change his stance on comic book adaptations; he both starred in and directed the 1990 film “Dick Tracy,” though his character didn’t wear Spandex as Superman might have.

2. James Caan, Superman

In the 1970s, another notable star who had an opportunity to portray Superman was James Caan, who was basking in the success of films like “The Godfather” and “Rollerball.” Interestingly, Mario Puzo, the author of “The Godfather,” was a cowriter for the “Superman” screenplay, but this connection wasn’t enough to convince Caan to accept the role. He later stated that the script he read was too humorous or playful for his preference.

3. Pierce Brosnan, Batman

In the past, before assuming the role of James Bond, Pierce Brosnan nearly played another legendary character. During a Reddit AMA some time ago, he disclosed that he had discussions with Tim Burton regarding _Batman_, but ultimately felt he couldn’t give it a straight face due to the fact that “any man who wears his underpants over his trousers simply can’t be taken seriously.” Brosnan now acknowledges that his perspective on superheroes was misguided – and looking back, years later, he is set to appear as DC’s Doctor Fate in _Black Adam_ (it remains unclear whether Doctor Fate will wear underpants over trousers).

4. Madonna, Catwoman

During the early 1990s, when Tim Burton was preparing to cast Batman Returns, Madonna’s film career was at its zenith. He proposed that she take on the role of Catwoman, a character-actress pairing that seemed almost tailor-made. However, Madonna declined the offer. Years later, in an interview with Jimmy Fallon, she admitted her regret for turning down the role, stating it was quite formidable. Eventually, Michelle Pfeiffer stepped into the part and truly embodied the fierce persona of Catwoman.

5. Leonardo DiCaprio, Robin

Pondering over Leonardo DiCaprio’s career trajectory, one can’t help but wonder how it might have evolved had he accepted the role of Robin in Joel Schumacher’s “Batman Forever”. Alas, we can only speculate as DiCaprio declined the offer and instead starred in the iconic film, “Titanic”. It’s intriguing to note that Schumacher had indeed considered DiCaprio for the role of Robin, even meeting with him about it. In a later interview, DiCaprio himself admitted to attending the meeting but stated he wasn’t interested in playing the part. When asked if he felt lucky to have turned down the role, DiCaprio merely chuckled, leaving us to ponder what could have been.

6. Jude Law, Superman

In the lead-up to 2006’s “Superman Returns”, another hunt for an ideal Superman actor commenced. The potential candidates on Warner Bros.’ list included Jude Law, who was at that time riding a wave of critical success with films such as “The Talented Mr. Ripley”, “A.I. Artificial Intelligence”, “Cold Mountain”, and “Closer”. The production team approached Law, but he declined the offer, telling Stephen Colbert he “didn’t feel like going there.” However, he did agree to put on the Superman suit. According to Law, when he looked in the mirror, he felt as if he had become Superman himself. He imagined the iconic music playing and saw himself on posters worldwide. But then, he changed his mind and took off the costume. Eventually, Brandon Routh was chosen to replace Christopher Reeve in the lead role.

7. Josh Hartnett, Superman AND Batman

In the 2000s, Josh Hartnett, a rising star in Hollywood, was strongly considered for the role of Superman in “Superman Returns.” Reportedly, he was offered a three-film contract worth $100 million to play the Man of Steel, but he declined. Interestingly, Hartnett also turned down the chance to portray both members of the World’s Finest team, as he was up for the role of young Bruce Wayne in Christopher Nolan’s “Batman Begins.” Years later, Hartnett admitted that turning down Nolan was a mistake. As he confessed to Playboy, “I’ve definitely said no to some of the wrong people… I said no because I was tired and wanted to spend more time with my friends and family. That’s not always well-received in this industry.

8. Paul Walker, Superman

Due to his popularity from “The Fast and the Furious” franchise, Paul Walker was a highly sought-after young actor when casting started for “Superman Returns.” He even had the chance to play the new Superman, but after discussing it with Richard Donner, who directed Christopher Reeve’s “Superman” and worked with Walker on “Timeline,” he chose not to take the role. When asked by Donner if he thought he needed or should do it, Walker remembered his response was, “Well, there’s your answer.” This is why Paul Walker did not appear in “Superman Returns.

9. Will Smith, Superman

Similar to Paul Walker, Will Smith declined the opportunity to portray Superman due to concerns about potential repercussions on his career. In 2008, he shared with MTV that he was offered the role in “Superman Returns,” but found the script unappealing, stating, “There is no way I’m playing Superman! I had already played Jim West [in ‘Wild Wild West’], and you can’t be tampering with white people’s heroes in Hollywood!” However, Smith eventually got to play a DC character when he starred as Deadshot in David Ayer’s “Suicide Squad.” So, while it may not have been the role he initially desired, things worked out somewhat favorably… to an extent.

10. Heath Ledger, Batman

Initially, Heath Ledger was Christopher Nolan’s pick for Batman in “Batman Begins,” offering him the role as a young Bruce Wayne. However, Ledger politely declined, expressing his reluctance to be part of any superhero film. Yet, after witnessing the unique take on Batman in “Batman Begins” and seeing how it differed from the more lighthearted DC films, he was ready to embrace the role of the Joker in “The Dark Knight,” a decision for which we fans are eternally grateful.

11. Matt Damon, Harvey Dent

In an alternate scenario, Heath Ledger might have portrayed Batman instead of the Joker in “The Dark Knight”, while Matt Damon would have played Two-Face rather than Aaron Eckhart. However, it was a scheduling conflict that kept Damon from accepting the role or meeting with Christopher Nolan for discussions. Later, Damon acknowledged Eckhart’s performance and stated that the film didn’t suffer without him. This is one of those Hollywood “what-ifs” that Uatu the Watcher would find intriguing.

12. Keanu Reeves, Dr. Manhattan

Keanu Reeves had agreed to star in a DC production, taking on the lead role in the 2005 film ‘Constantine’. However, when Zack Snyder offered him the part of Doctor Manhattan in his adaptation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ ‘Watchmen’, Reeves expressed interest but the project didn’t come together. The role of Doctor Manhattan eventually went to Billy Crudup. In more recent conversations, Reeves has mentioned a potential return to DC, expressing his desire to reprise his role in another ‘Constantine’ if Warner Bros. were open to it.

13. Jon Hamm, Green Lantern

In the annals of acting, there is arguably no performer who has embodied the likeness of Green Lantern’s Hal Jordan from the comics more distinctly than Jon Hamm of Mad Men fame. Consequently, it comes as little shock that Warner Bros. sought Hamm for the role. However, Hamm himself showed no enthusiasm for the part. In a subsequent interview, he explained, “They pursued me quite persistently, but I responded with a casual ‘Meh, that’s not my cup of tea.'” Hamm confessed to being less than enthralled by superhero films, stating, “Those aren’t the kind of movies I enjoy watching.” Interestingly, he appears to hold a different opinion when it comes to television adaptations, as Hamm has provided voiceovers for numerous comic-book series, including Invincible and M.O.D.O.K., where he portrayed Tony Stark in several episodes.

14. Jake Gyllenhaal, Rick Flag

As a movie critic, I must admit that I was intrigued when news broke about Jake Gyllenhaal turning down the role of super-soldier Rick Flag in “Suicide Squad.” Even Variety took notice of this decision. Before Gyllenhaal’s offer, Tom Hardy had been a strong contender for the part. However, it was Joel Kinnaman who ultimately donned the uniform and stepped into the role, reprising it for the 2021 sequel. Instead, Gyllenhaal found his place within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, taking on the enigmatic Mysterio in “Spider-Man: Far From Home.

15. Charlize Theron, Wonder Woman

Charlize Theron, known for her intelligence, beauty, and action films, was a great fit to play Wonder Woman. However, Warner Bros. asked her to portray Wonder Woman’s mother instead, which she wasn’t happy about. She shared this experience on “Watch What Happens Live,” stating it as an example of Hollywood ageism. She thought they were considering her for the lead role but was told it was for the role of Wonder Woman’s mother instead. Theron is ten years older than Gal Gadot, who played Wonder Woman, and ten years younger than Connie Nielsen, who eventually got cast as Queen Hippolyta in the 2017 film.

2025-07-08 22:26